Footer Links Left

Audience Navigation

Grace Ferris

Dr. Grace Ferris joins the Natural Sciences and Mathematics division as Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry. Dr. Ferris’s research work focuses on improving the synthesis of organic chemicals for biomedical and material sciences (Dissertation Title: Platinum-catalyzed 1,2-diboration of cis-substituted 1,3-dienes: A route to enantioenriched bifunctional allylboration reagents), as well as pedagogical research on how using just-in-time “deliberate practice” techniques in chemistry courses impact student learning. In her most recent position as a chemistry instructor at Harvard University, she worked on building community and increasing inclusion within the chemistry program. She focused on developing close mentoring relationships with first-generation and low-income college students, and directly increased their success and persistence in scientific fields. Her dedication to student success earned her one of Harvard’s top awards for Excellence in Mentorship. Dr. Ferris shows a strong passion for engaging students in research experiences and a dedication to ensuring that every student can pursue their educational goals despite any external or internal obstacles. In her spare time, she is an avid hiker, especially in the winter. She and her husband have completed 25 of the “winter 48”, peaks in the White Mountains with elevations over 4000 feet.